Sens Win 3-1 Over Thrashers

The Senators were hoping to play the role of spoiler against the Thrashers Thursday night. It started off well as Colin Greening notched his first NHL goal when he banked a backhand off Dustin Byfuglien and in to make it 1-0 at 2:56 of the first period. The Senators would continue to press and create numerous turnovers in the Thrashers zone but were unable to beat Chris Mason again in the first 20 minutes.

In the second, the most noteworthy series of plays were the Thrashers chances after Erik Karlsson broke his stick attempting a shot on the Sens first power-play. Bryan Little took advantage of Karlsson’s wonky stick, stealing the puck and breaking in alone on Craig Anderson. Anderson wasn’t fazed, stopping Little, as well as the 4-5 more Thrasher shots that followed. If you had tuned in during that minute long press by Atlanta, you would have thought the Thrashers were on the power-play.

One minute into the third, the Sens increased their lead. Bobby Butler would skate over the blueline, pick his spot and unleash a wicked wrister that Mason had absolutely no chance on, making it 2-0 Ottawa. The Thrashers would then finally beat the Craig Anderson when Dustin Bfugylien took a shot from the point that made its way through Blake Wheeler, Brian Lee and the Senators netminder to cut the lead to 1. But the Senators didn’t quit and consistent offensive pressure turned into a goal when Nick Foligno tipped a Derek Smith shot to restore the 2 goal lead. Craig Anderson and a solid defensive effort took it the rest of the way for the 3-1 victory.

Craig Anderson was his usual spectacular self, making 42 saves, and really providing a back end presence that this team has not had in awhile. Sens fans are hoping he is falling in love with the organization as quickly as they are falling in love with him.